sean kitchen measure lost his lower right leg in afghanistan. since june, he says he's received excellent care here at walter reed and is sorry to see it go. >> this place has provided care for so many people over the years. it's a bummer it's closing down. >> no room to expand to meet the changing needs. >> reporter: the army's golden knight's parachute team added some excitement to a melancholy atmosphere. >> we're absolutely thrilled we've had so many people come out. 100 years of service to soldiers, coast guardsmen and their families. >> reporter: in a ceremony called casing the colors, the walter reed army medical center's flag was rolled up by the center's command sergeant major, marking the inactivation of the unit. >> it was sad. >> it was the end of a very hisser to -- historical era. >> reporter: water reed will no longer be a hospital, but the name will carry over to bethesda hospital. >> make the extra effort to make them understand what it means to be on land, and doing a great job. i know everything will be all right. >> reporter: